Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

20-Day India to Australia Trip Itinerary: Explore Sydney, Melbourne & Great Barrier Reef

Viewed by 251 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Sydney Introduction

Sydney, Australia on December 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Bills Sydney

Start your Australian adventure with a healthy, fresh breakfast at Bills Sydney in Surry Hills, known for its ricotta hotcakes and seasonal dishes.
AUD25, 1h

10:30am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Join a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House to explore this architectural marvel and learn about its history and design. Open daily 9am-5pm.
AUD42, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at The Rocks Café

Enjoy classic Australian cuisine at The Rocks Café near Circular Quay, famous for great views and fresh seafood.
AUD40, 1h

1:30pm

Walk around The Rocks and Sydney Harbour Bridge

Explore The Rocks historic area on foot, then stroll to the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic harbour views.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Royal Botanic Garden

Unwind at the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden, a great spot to relax and enjoy views of the Opera House and harbour.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Experience fine dining with spectacular harbour views at Quay, one of Sydney’s top restaurants. Make reservations in advance.
AUD150, 2h
Find Hotels in Sydney

Day 2: Sydney Sights

Sydney, Australia on December 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Three Blue Ducks

Enjoy a farm-to-table inspired breakfast at Three Blue Ducks at Bronte Beach, offering organic, fresh menu items.
AUD30, 1h

9:30am

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Embark on a scenic 6km coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach with stunning ocean views and beaches.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Coogee Pavilion

Dine seaside at Coogee Pavilion, offering fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere.
AUD45, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Art Gallery of New South Wales

Explore Australian and international artworks including Aboriginal art. Open daily 10am-5pm, free entry.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mr. Wong

Experience upscale Cantonese cuisine at Mr. Wong in the CBD, known for its extensive menu and vibrant ambiance.
AUD70, 2h
Find Hotels in Sydney

Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Trip

Sydney to Blue Mountains, Australia on December 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before your day trip to Blue Mountains.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Blue Mountains Guided Tour

Take a full-day tour to Blue Mountains National Park including Echo Point, Three Sisters, and Scenic World. Tours run from 8am to 6pm.
AUD120, 10h

6:30pm

Dinner at Darling Harbour

Return to Sydney and enjoy dinner at one of Darling Harbour’s waterfront restaurants, such as The Ternary, serving modern Australian cuisine.
AUD65, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Sydney to Blue Mountains

Day 4: Sydney Leisure Day

Sydney, Australia on December 4, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Koffee

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast at Koffee in Surry Hills, perfect for a relaxing start.
AUD20, 1h

10:30am

Taronga Zoo Visit

Visit Taronga Zoo to see native Australian wildlife and enjoy spectacular harbour views. Open 9:30am-5pm.
AUD49, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Taronga Zoo Café

Eat lunch inside the zoo offering views over Sydney Harbour with casual meal options.
AUD25, 1h

3:00pm

Manly Beach Ferry and Walk

Take a scenic ferry to Manly, stroll the beach and enjoy local shops. Ferry runs daily every 30 minutes from Circular Quay.
AUD15, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Manly Wharf Hotel

Dine at this popular eatery with views of the marina, known for fresh seafood and local beer.
AUD60, 2h
Find Hotels in Sydney

Day 5: Fly to Melbourne

Sydney to Melbourne, Australia on December 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before your flight to Melbourne.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Flight Sydney to Melbourne

Catch a morning flight from Sydney to Melbourne, approximately 1h 30min flight time.
AUD120, 2h including airport time

12:30pm

Lunch at Hardware Société

Enjoy French-inspired brunch fare at Hardware Société, a Melbourne favorite open from 7am to 3pm.
AUD30, 1h

2:00pm

Walk Federation Square and Flinders Street Station

Explore central Melbourne landmarks and the Yarra River precinct.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit National Gallery of Victoria

Check out Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, open 10am-5pm daily, free entry for permanent collections.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chin Chin

Savor modern Thai cuisine at the ever-popular Chin Chin, open nightly until 11pm; reservations recommended.
AUD70, 2h
Find Hotels in Sydney to Melbourne

Day 6: Melbourne City Tour

Melbourne, Australia on December 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Higher Ground

Start your day at Higher Ground with inventive breakfast dishes and excellent coffee.
AUD30, 1h

9:30am

Melbourne Laneways Walking Tour

Take a guided walking tour to discover Melbourne’s famous street art, hidden laneways, and unique cafes. Tours run daily at 10am.
AUD35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Sample diverse food stalls at the iconic open-air market, open 6am-3pm (closed Mondays & Wednesdays).
AUD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

Discover local history, culture, and science exhibits; open daily 10am-5pm. Entry AUD15.
AUD15, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Carlton Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage site next to the museum.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Movida

Experience delicious Spanish tapas in a lively atmosphere at Movida in Hosier Lane.
AUD65, 2h
Find Hotels in Melbourne

Day 7: Great Ocean Road Day Trip

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road, Australia on December 7, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for a full-day Great Ocean Road tour.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Great Ocean Road Guided Tour

Travel along the Great Ocean Road to see highlights like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and coastal cliffs. Tours operate 7am-7pm.
AUD140, 12h

7:30pm

Dinner Back in Melbourne

Enjoy a casual dinner near your hotel, such as Pizza e Mozzarella Bar, featuring authentic Italian pizza.
AUD40, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

Day 8: Melbourne Leisure Day

Melbourne, Australia on December 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Enjoy a stylish café experience with lovely dishes emphasizing seasonal ingredients.
AUD30, 1h

10:00am

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Explore the sprawling botanical gardens with a variety of native and exotic plants; open dawn to dusk, free entry.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lune Croissanterie

Taste some of the world's best pastries and coffee at Lune, open from 7am to 2pm.
AUD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Melbourne Aquarium

Discover unique marine life; open 9:30am-5pm. Entry AUD42.
AUD42, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee Break at Degraves Street

Relax with a coffee at one of the many cafes in this popular laneway filled with street art and independent stores.
AUD10, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cumulus Inc.

Enjoy modern Australian cuisine in an airy setting with great wine options.
AUD65, 2h
Find Hotels in Melbourne

Day 9: Fly to Cairns

Melbourne to Cairns, Australia on December 9, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before your flight to Cairns.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Flight Melbourne to Cairns

Fly from Melbourne to Cairns, approximately 3h 20min flight time.
AUD200, 3.5h including airport time

12:00pm

Lunch at Caffiend

Enjoy a vibrant café lunch with excellent coffee and fusion dishes; open 7am-3pm.
AUD30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Cairns Esplanade

Stroll along the scenic Cairns Esplanade, visit the Lagoon for a swim, and enjoy local markets.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Taste native Australian ingredients served with a modern twist at Ochre, open 5:30pm to late.
AUD70, 2h
Find Hotels in Melbourne to Cairns

Day 10: Great Barrier Reef Adventure

Cairns, Australia on December 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast to prepare for a full-day reef tour.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour

Take a full-day snorkeling or diving tour to the Great Barrier Reef. Boats depart around 8:30am and return around 5pm; includes lunch.
AUD220, 9h

7:00pm

Dinner at Salt House

Dine waterfront with views over Trinity Inlet, offering modern Australian seafood and steaks; open 5:30pm-10pm.
AUD70, 2h
Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 11: Rainforest and Daintree

Cairns to Daintree Rainforest, Australia on December 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast before your Daintree rainforest day trip.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Guided Daintree Rainforest Tour

Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, visit Mossman Gorge, spot wildlife, and learn about local Aboriginal culture. Tour runs 8am-6pm.
AUD130, 10h

7:00pm

Dinner at locally recommended spot in Cairns

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Nu Nu Restaurant with great locally sourced fresh meals.
AUD55, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Cairns to Daintree Rainforest

Day 12: Fly to Brisbane

Cairns to Brisbane, Australia on December 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before your flight to Brisbane.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Flight Cairns to Brisbane

Fly approximately 2h 40min.
AUD160, 3h including airport time

1:00pm

Lunch at Julius Pizzeria

Authentic Napoli-style wood-fired pizzas in Brisbane’s West End neighborhood, open 11:30am-9pm.
AUD25, 1h

2:30pm

Explore South Bank Parklands

Enjoy walking along the Brisbane River, visit Streets Beach and arts precinct; open all day, free entry.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Stokehouse Q

Upscale dining on the riverfront with strong focus on local produce and seafood.
AUD80, 2h
Find Hotels in Cairns to Brisbane

Day 13: Moreton Island Day Trip

Brisbane, Australia on December 13, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast preparing for Moreton Island adventure.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Moreton Island Day Tour

Enjoy snorkeling, sand tobogganing, and dolphin feeding on this island day trip. Tours from Brisbane depart early and last about 9-10 hours.
AUD150, 10h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Charming Squire

Have a relaxed dinner at this brewery in Brisbane’s CBD, with great craft beers and hearty meals.
AUD45, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Brisbane

Day 14: Brisbane City & Lone Pine

Brisbane, Australia on December 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at King Arthur Café

Start your day at this quirky café with fresh, organic dishes; open 7am-3pm weekdays.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Visit

Meet and cuddle koalas, feed kangaroos at the world’s largest koala sanctuary. Open daily 9am-5pm.
AUD39, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Eat Street Northshore

Sample various street food vendors at this vibrant market open Fridays-Sundays 4pm-10pm (check schedule).
AUD30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Queensland Museum and Sciencentre

Explore natural history and science exhibits located in the South Bank cultural precinct; open 10am-5pm, free entry.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gerard’s Bistro

Enjoy creative Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine in a lively spot in Fortitude Valley.
AUD70, 2h
Find Hotels in Brisbane

Day 15: Drive to Gold Coast

Brisbane to Gold Coast, Australia on December 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before driving to the Gold Coast, about a 1-hour trip south.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Beach Day at Surfers Paradise

Relax, swim or try surfing at the famous Surfers Paradise Beach; open all day, free entry.
Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Betty’s Burgers

Enjoy classic American-style burgers in a fun 50s-style diner atmosphere; open 11am-9pm daily.
AUD25, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Cavill Avenue Shopping and Entertainment

Browse shops, cafes, and enjoy street performances along the vibrant main street of Surfers Paradise.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Charis Seafoods

Savour fresh local seafood in a casual setting near the beach.
AUD60, 2h
Find Hotels in Brisbane to Gold Coast

Day 16: Theme Park Day

Gold Coast, Australia on December 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before your theme park adventure.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Visit Dreamworld or Warner Bros. Movie World

Spend a full day at one of the major Gold Coast theme parks (open 10am-5pm). Choose Dreamworld for rides and wildlife or Movie World for movie-themed fun.
AUD90, 8h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hog's Breath Cafe

Enjoy hearty casual dining with a focus on prime rib steak and burgers after a fun day of thrills.
AUD50, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Gold Coast

Day 17: Lamington National Park Day

Gold Coast, Australia on December 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before a rainforest day trip.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Lamington National Park Guided Hiking Tour

Explore ancient rainforests and waterfalls on this guided hike. Park open 24/7 but guided tours run typically 8am-4pm.
AUD100, 8h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rick Shores

Enjoy trendy Asian fusion cuisine overlooking Burleigh Heads beach.
AUD80, 2h
Find Hotels in Gold Coast

Day 18: Leisure Gold Coast

Gold Coast, Australia on December 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Paddock Bakery

Relaxed breakfast in a rustic setting with great pastries and coffee.
AUD25, 1h

10:00am

Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Get close to Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos and lorikeets; open 8am-5pm.
AUD50, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Beetle Shack

Enjoy sushi and Asian-inspired dishes with fresh, local ingredients.
AUD30, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Broadbeach and The Star Casino

Walk along Broadbeach, visit shops and The Star entertainment complex.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Social Eating House + Bar

Relax with a modern Australian tasting menu in one of Gold Coast's finest restaurants.
AUD80, 2h
Find Hotels in Gold Coast

Day 19: Return to Brisbane

Gold Coast to Brisbane, Australia on December 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last Gold Coast breakfast.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Brisbane Airport

Prepare for your return flight to India, driving about 1 hour to Brisbane airport.
AUD50 (taxi or car rental), 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Brisbane Airport

Grab a meal at one of the many eateries in the international terminal.
AUD20, 1h

3:00pm

Flight Brisbane to India

Depart Brisbane for your return journey, check flight timings as per booking.
Varies, Varies
Find Hotels in Gold Coast to Brisbane
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About India to Australia from 1 December to 20 December for

Best India Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your India to Australia from 1 December to 20 December for Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go